by With a virtually endless number of camera apps available for enhancing photos or applying vintage effects, how can a newly released challenger hope to cut through the noise? Virtual cloning is a good place to start. WonderCam is the latest free app to offer real-time effects for photos and videos. In addition to traditional distortion, filter, and desaturation tricks, the app converts photos into comic book frames (complete with word balloons) or can even put a subject’s face into that of a historical figure or celebrity.
However, the feature that most impressed us was Clone, which lets you replicate subjects within the same frame. This works by shooting an image with WonderCam, moving the subject, and taking a second shot while keeping the iPhone as steady as possible. Next, draw a blue line to indicate the subject you wish to clone, and within seconds the completed image appears, seamlessly composited into one. We spent a good deal of effort with our first attempt to make sure subjects were filled in as well as possible, but that turned out to be unnecessary – even a simple squiggle produced excellent results.
Unfortunately, this and other features are somewhat marred by the fact that the app producers lower-resolution files. Instead of the typical 8MP image captured by an iPhone 5, the app produces images one-tenth the size – just fine for sharing on Twitter or Facebook, but sadly nowhere near archival quality. Imported images are also resized by about one-fifth.
While WonderCam is ready-made for sharing images via Facebook with a single tap, be forewarned: There are currently no privacy controls in place, so everything you post will be available to all of your friends. Additionally, the app is locked into portrait mode, and lacks the option to use the volume-up button as a physical shutter. On a more positive note, WonderCam features a tab for easily viewing, liking, or replying to posts from friends who also happen to be using the app.
The bottom line. WonderCam is a fun camera app with a lot of potential, but low-resolution output and a lack of pre-posting Facebook privacy controls limit its usefulness for now.
Review Synopsis
Product:
